Hazel Wolf Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Hazel Wolf K-8 Digital Device Policy

Digital Device Policy (Cellphones, tablets, Air Pods, headphones, etc.) ​ 

Per SPS policy, the use of personal electronic devices during school hours is prohibited in grades K-8 in all schools. If your child brings a cellphone or smartwatch to school: ​ 

• Cellphones, smartwatches, air pods, and headphones must be silenced and stored in backpacks during school hours.  ​ 
• Cellphones, smartwatches, air pods, and headphones may not be used at any point during the school day.  ​ 
• Headphones may be used in class for classwork, if directed by the teacher.  ​ 
• Cellphones, smartwatches, air pods, and headphones are brought to school at the family’s own risk.  ​ 
• Cellphones, smartwatches, air pods, and headphones may only be used before or after school to call or text a parent/guardian. Students may not make or receive calls, send or receive texts, take photos, record videos, play games, or access the internet on these devices during school hours.   ​ 

Any digital device, other than those provided by the school, seen or heard during the school day will be taken to the office and require a parent/guardian to come and pick it up from the school.   ​ 

After a third instance the teacher gives the phone to an Administrator, who will arrange a family meeting to plan and implement “no phone contract” for their scholar. This student will no longer be allowed to carry their phone or digital device with them throughout the school day for the remainder of the year. ​ 

Revisions to SPS Board Policy 2022, Electronic Resources and Use of the Internet

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Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

• Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
• Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

• When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
• Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools